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Perth is a city in Perthshire, Scotland, which lies on the banks of River Tay to the north eastern fringe of Central Scotland. Perth is the administrative centre of Perthshire, and is popularly referred to as The Fair City, although its city status was revoked in the 1970s following local authority reforms. On 14th March 2012 it was decided to restore city status to Perth to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II after many years of campaigning.

The history of Perth goes back over 800 years when it was originally founded as Saint John's Town - the name is still used for the Perth's professional football (soccer) team St. Johnstone - and the adjoining town of Scone was a former capital city of Scotland. Today it is perhaps best known for giving its name to the Western Australian city of Perth, although it also has a namesake sister cityPerth (Ontario) on a River Tay which were both named for their Scottish counterparts.

Perth "St John's Toon" used to be Scotland's capital from the 12th century on with the important Scone Palace nearby. Nowadays it is a pretty quiet place and according to the 2001 census, the population of the town is 43,450 [1], many of whom work in financial and customer services.

Perth can be accessed from Edinburgh via the M90 from the south, Glasgow and Stirling via the M80/M9/A9 from the southwest, Inverness via the A9 from the north, Dundee and Aberdeen via the A90 from the east and the A85 from the West. Broxden Roundabout, on the outskirts of Perth, is unique as it lists all seven of Scotland's cities on its exit signs, as well as Crianlarich, a small village that must be passed through en route to major tourist centres such as Oban, Glencoe, Fort William, Mull and Iona (visitors to Scotland might be forgiven for thinking that Crianlarich is in fact a city, given the number of road signs that mention it).

Perth Park and Ride [2] and Scone Park and Ride [3] are convenient ways to get in and out of the town centre without taking your car.

Perth has its own airfield to the north of the town near Scone, but this is used mainly for private aviation and training. The nearest, and most convenient commercial airport for Perth by far is Dundee Airport, which is around 20–25 minutes drive from the town. Being largely a regional airport however, the choice of departures is quite limited compared to Edinburgh or Glasgow. However it has useful links from Birmingham and London City, although flights are rather expensive in comparison.

Edinburgh Airport (see the main Edinburgh article for full details). It is located 50 miles (80 km) from Perth, and is easily reachable via the M90 motorway. Megabus (see below) operate direct buses from the airport to Perth.

Glasgow Airport is around 70 miles (120 km) from Perth, and has more transatlantic and long haul flights than Edinburgh, although harder to get to from Perth due to the unpredictable nature of cross-Glasgow road journeys since it is on the "wrong" side of Glasgow - a problem made worse by the ongoing road improvements on the A80. Regular buses run to Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow city centre where regular services to Perth are available on Citylink and Megabus coaches.

Perth station is operated by Scotrail, and the station is staffed throughout its opening hours. It is on the Highland Main Line from Glasgow/Edinburgh to Inverness.

The local service pattern is as follows (all these services are run by ScotRail)

From Glasgow - approximately on hourly intervals from Queen Street (High Level) station, all trains to Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen call at Perth.

From Edinburgh- approximately hourly from Waverley/Haymarket stations, all trains to Inverness call at Perth

From Inverness/Aberdeen/Dundee - hourly,

Perth has two direct rail services from London per day, otherwise a change in either Glasgow or Edinburgh is required if you are travelling from south of the border.

East Coast; the once daily Highland Chieftain service from London King's Cross to Inverness calls at Perth via York, Newcastle and Edinburgh. Approximate journey time 6 hours. Fares start at around £12 for a one way "Advance", rising to approximately £115 for an off-peak return.

Caledonian Sleeper; the overnight Highland sleeper train service from London Euston to Inverness calls at Perth, leaving at 8PM the preceding evening. Note that this arrives in Perth at around 6AM (before any other public transport is running); it may therefore be more convenient to use the Lowland sleeper train to either Glasgow/Edinburgh, and change to one of the local services (above). Prices £130 return; one way "Bargain Berths" are available online only from £19, depending on how early you book.

The station has seven platforms, five of which are "through" platforms.

There are two entrances, both of which allow car parking. The ticket office, newsagent and café are between platforms 2 and 3. The original main concourse was between the current platforms 4 and 7 and the station was covered by a large overall roof, which still exists in a reduced form. At one time there were nine platforms as it once boasted more services in the past to serve the smaller branch lines running throughout Perthshire.

Megabus operate services to and from Birmingham, London, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Preston, Scotch Corner, Sheffield and Wakefield. Note that the Megabus does not call in Perth Bus Station - it calls at the Broxden service area on the A9, which is served by a frequent "Park and Ride" bus which operates from numerous points around the town centre.

National Express also operate many coach services to towns and cities in England.

Taxis are plentiful around the town. There is a taxi rank outside the Caledonian Cinema and also on South Street beside the Tesco Metro. Local taxi firms include Ace Taxis +44 1738 633033, Station Taxis +44 1738 623400, Taylor's Taxis +44 1738 621789 and Thistle Taxis +44 1738 632424.

Scone Palace, Scone (2 miles / 3km north of Perth, follow A93 and signs), ☎+44 1738 552300, e-mail: visits@scone-palace.co.uk. Open Apr-Oct, M-Su 9:30AM–5:30PM (last entry 4:45PM).. Scone is the historic crowning place of no less than 42 Scottish kings, including Robert the Bruce and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Where you can now see the Palace, built early 19th century, stood once the Abbot's Palace. You can see a replica of the Stone of Destiny, upon which the kings were crowned. The original stone was thought to have been stolen by Edward I and brought to London, but some believe the original was hidden by its guardians and that the English king was given a locally quarried substitute. A few years ago this stone was finally returned to Scotland and now resides in Edinburgh Castle. Visitors more interested in medieval history might not want to buy the rather expensive ticket for the Palace, but you can walk around the park on a cheaper ticket. The Palace offers an extensive collection of 17th and 18th century Ivories in the State Dining Rooms, 18th century French furniture, a big collection of Porcelain, Queen Victoria's boudoir and information of the Scottish kings.Palace & Grounds £6.95/5.95/4.00 (adult/student, senior/child). Grounds only £3.50/3.00/2.20 (adult/student, senior/child)..

St. John's Kirk. May - Sep Mon - Sat 10:00 - 16:00. is the centre of the town and the oldest building in Perth, dating back to 1159.

Elcho Castle, the Rhynd, near Perth, PH2 8QQ. (4 miles from Perth, just off A912.), ☎+44 1738 639998. 1st April - 30th September. M-Su, 9.30AM to 5.30PM. Built on the site of an older structure in around 1560, it is one of the best examples of it's kind still remaining.Adult £3.20, Child £1.60, Concession £2.70.

Game Conservancy Scottish Fair, Scone Palace., ☎+44 1828 650639. First weekend in July (3 days), 9.30AM - 6.00PM.. Set impressively in the grounds of Scone Palace, the Game Conservancy Scottish Fair is regarded as one of the main countryside events of the year in Scotland, demonstrating the importance of game and other wildlife and their contribution to the Scottish countryside. The Fair entertains all family members with a variety of displays (including Falconry and Terrier racing) in the Main Ring, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Gundog and Fishing Competitions on the banks of the River Tay. Educational exhibitions relating to countryside research projects undertaken by the Game Conservancy in Scotland together with children's activities (go-karts, climbing wall and superjumper) add to an enjoyable day out.Adults £14, Children (5-15) £3, Under 5s free. Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £31.

Perth Farmers Market, King Edward Street. First Saturday of the month. 9.00AM-2.00PM. At Perth Farmers' Market on the first Saturday of each month there is an abundance of fresh ingredients and quality products. From slabs of fresh red meat and slippery oysters to green, leafy veg to home made cakes, pies and wines - you will find everything you need to create delicious meals. If you're not sure what you're after, need to be inspired or want to know more about what you are eating, have a chat with our stallholders who can advise on ideas, cooking methods and traceability. From favourite comfort foods for the family to new and exciting recipe trends for dinner parties and friends, with Perth Farmers' Market, you really can make a meal of it.Free.

Kinnoull Hill. If you are fit enough, you can cycle up to Kinnoull Hill to have a superb view over the landscape. Cross River Tay over the Perth Bridge to the east side of the river. Go straight across the intersection and follow the road for about 3km and then turn right at the sign to Kinnoull Hill. You probably want to leave the bike at the car park unless you're up for some 2km off-road biking, but the walk to the summit is worth it! You can also drive up with the car to Kinnoull Hill and walk from the car park 2km up to the summit to get an impressive view over Perth and its surrounding.

Branklyn Garden, 116 Dundee Road, PH2 7BB, ☎+44 1738 625535. 10.00 - 17.00. This attractive garden in Perth was developed by John and Dorothy Renton with the help of seed collections from plant hunters such as Forrest, Ludlow and Sherriff. Gardeners and botanists from all over the world come to see the outstanding plants - rhododendrons, alpines, herbaceous and peat-garden plants. The gardens are also home to white peacocks.Free.

Moncreiffe Hill, Near Perth (Take the Rhynd Road heading east from the A912 just north of Bridge of Earn for around 2 miles, follow signs for woodland walks.). Moncreiffe Hill is a major landmark just a few kilometres from the city of Perth. From the south a mixed woodland occupies a steep scarp slope showing the spring and autumn colours of broadleaves, larch and pine to the thousands of drivers heading north on the M90.Free.

Perth Playhouse, 6 Murray Street, PH1 5PJ, ☎+44 1738 623126. If the weather is poor and you fancy seeing a film, then why not pop along to the movies. The art deco style building opened in 1933 and has since gone through various refurbishments, the most recent in 1999 when it was converted into a seven-screen cinema.

There is potential for picking up seasonal work in the many restaurants, hotels and tourists attractions, particularly during the summer. There is also the nearby Cairngorms for skiing in the winter. In the rural areas surrounding Perth it is possible to earn money picking fruit or vegetables.

Unemployment is generally lower than the Scottish average, however many jobs are in retail or hospitality and so do not pay great wages. The biggest employers are Scottish and Southern Energy, Perth and Kinross Council and Aviva Insurance.

Whisky. Perth has long been a centre for whisky, such as The Famous Grouse, Dewars and Bells. Some distilleries are still in operation in the area, such as Aberfeldy [5], Tullibardine [6] and Glenturret [7], however the ones in the city have now closed.

Caithness Glass. At the top of the Dunkeld Road, is a visitor centre where all manner of glassware can be purchased. Visitors can also take a tour of the factory, seeing glass blowing and other techniques in practice.

Perth Mart Visitor Centre, Perth Mart, PH1 3JJ and also EWM, 17-19 St Johns Street, PH1 5SP, ☎+44 1738 637366. The Edinburgh Woollen Mill is a Scottish clothing retailer targeting men and women over the age of 40. They sell a good range of Scottish clothing and souvenirs such as Pringle knitwear and tartan travel rugs.

Duncan's in Perth, 33 George Street, ☎+44 1738 626016. Open M-Th 12 - 2.30 & 5.30-9PM, Fri & Sat 12 - 2.30 & 5.30-9.30PM. Duncans in Perth is a new addition to the dining out scene in Perth and is a welcome appearance. Good use of locally sourced ingredients prepared and cooked well in a friendly clean environment served by cheerful staff.

Deans @ Let's Eat Restaurant, 77 - 79 Kinnoull Street, ☎+44 1738 643377. Open Tuesday - Saturday. The recently refurbished Deans at Lets Eat Restaurant has now made its mark as one of Perth's favourite restaurants. Willie Deans describes his cooking as vibrant modern Scottish. The focus is firmly on flavour and seasonability, most of his ingredients are sourced locally and quality is not compromised. All aspects of the dish are freshly made on site. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed with a discreet professional service.

The Club Restaurant, Murrayshall House Hotel, Scone, ☎+44 1738 662231. Murrayshall House Hotel, where modern day sophistication embraces history amidst the sumptuous grounds of the splendid Murrayshall Estate. Murrayshall provides a sanctuary for guests to enjoy their golf, business or simply pleasure in unspoiled elegance, removed from distraction or interruption.

The Bothy, 33 Kinnoull Street, PH1 5EN, ☎+44 1738 449792. Shelter in style at The Bothy, Restaurant & Bar. Traditional Scottish dishes and European flavours mix to provide fabulous food, great service and stylish surroundings. Family friendly every day until 8PM. Enjoy fine wines, cocktails and a full a la carte menu every night. Remember to drop into the Wee Bar for a drink before and after your meal! The Bothy has built a reputation on serving quality Scottish favourites and bistro bites in a warm homely setting. Head Chef Stuart Wilson has devised a menu which will take you back to your childhood, with servings of belly fillers, heart warmers and delectable sweets.

Baiglie Inn Country Restaurant, Aberargie, ☎+44 1738 850332. The Baiglie Inn is relaxed and friendly and the décor is fitting for an old Scottish inn dating back to 1820. The food can be described as Scottish/Australian and inventive. They aim to serve 5 star food at 3 star prices! The house speciality is whisky pate with a hint of Drambuie.

Acanthus Restaurant, Parklands Hotel, 2 St Leonards Bank, PH2 8EB, ☎+44 1738 622451. Tu-Sa, 7.00PM - 9.00PM. The food is essentially modern Scottish, with the occasional other influence making an appearance. Dishes are prepared using top quality local produce from the best of Scotland's larder and cooked sensibly and with flair. We can cater for individual dietary requirements. Contemporary décor gives an intimate atmosphere suitable for a quiet romantic dinner or to gather a small group of friends for a celebration. The restaurant also has a private dining room or alternatively the entire space can be booked for functions.

Cafe Tabou, 4 St John's Place, PH1 5SZ, ☎+44 1738 446698. A good value French restaurant in the town centre. There is a two course pre-theatre menu (£11.50) available on some nights.

La Serie A, 24-26 Kinnoull Street, PH1 5EX, ☎+44 1738 631456. W-Su. Fantastic food at very reasonable prices. The takeaway sits next to the restaurant. The pizzas and pastas are named after Italian football teams.

Gulisanos, 8 North Port, PH1 5LU (Behind the Concert Hall), ☎+44 1738 563032. Tu-Th: 12:00-14:30 and 17:00-22:00 Friday: 12:00-14:30 and 17:00-23:00 Saturday: 12:00-23:00. Offers a varied and exciting menu. Provides the Italian relaxed service so if you have a time limit then please say so.

Pacos Restaurant, 3 Mill Street, PH1 5HZ, ☎+44 1738 622290. FRI - SUN 4.30PM - 11.00PM (Last orders) SAT 12:00 noon - 11.00PM (Last orders). Food at Paco's Restaurant is freshly prepared daily and cooked to order. From pasta to pizzas, burgers to steaks, we have an extensive menu that will cater for all tastes. We always provide quality food along with exceptional service which makes us one of the most popular restaurants in Perth.

Café Breizh, 28 High Street, PH1 5TQ, ☎+44 1738 444427. 9AM-9.30PM. Breizh is a traditional French restaurant, which has become one of Perth’s most popular places for eating out in its first year since they opened in May 2006 Enjoy coffee and croissants for your morning break or choose from our extensive menus which includes, pizzas with a wide variety of toppings baked in a wood burning oven or Galettes filled with fresh spinach, spring onions, mascarpone and goat cheese. Many ingredients are imported from France to give the authentic flavour to our dishes which can be enjoyed with our specially imported French Cider. Why not come in and enjoy your meal, served by our friendly staff dressed in traditions French mariners striped tops, in a relaxing atmosphere. Special menu for children under 12.

Keracher's Restaurant, 168 South Street, PH2 8NY, ☎+44 1738 449777. Kerachers is one of Perthshire’s leading restaurants. Since opening in May 1999 it has gained in reputation due to the relaxed style of the Restaurant itself and the marvellous fresh fish supplied by the Keracher family. Kerachers is relaxed and informal, serving superb local produce cooked with imagination and flair . Owners Pamela and Peter Keracher run the front of house and kitchen respectively so ensuring a quality dining experience. The Restaurant has 56 covers and is light and spacious thus ensuring comfort for our diners.

The Thai at Rocablu, 1 Speygate Perth PH2 8PJ (On the corner of Canal st and Speygate just behind Sheriffs court on Tay st. 2 large carparks in front of Restr.), ☎+44 1738 442715. 1200-1500 1730-2230. this is a new Thai restaurant in perth well about 1 year. really good and a great cocktail bar in an old Dewars whiskey cellar next door. has a huge fish tank behind bar. I now go there often for lunch including Saturday and Sunday for 3 course meal £7.75...brilliantlunch £7.75 a la carte 2 course from £14.00 to max.£21.50 p/p. edit.

Tabla Indian Restaurant (Authentic Indian & Carryout), 173 High Street. PH2 8NY (End of south street. Opp Bank of Scotland), ☎+44 1738444630. Mon-Sat 12-2.30 & 5-10. Sun 3-10.30. Owned and run by Praveen Kumar and his wife Swarna Kumar, both born and brought up in a small rural community in south India. At Tabla we use fresh, farm grown spices by own family in India. Tabla is well presented restaurant with stone walls and open kitchen. 2 Course Lunch £6.95. Indian Tapas £15.95 per 2. 2 Course Dinner £9.95. Take away & Home Delivery service.£7 to £21.

The Foundry, 3 Murray Street, PH1 5PJ, ☎+44 1738 636863. Built on the site of the old Perth Foundry, this pub has a varied mix of clientele, from the young to the not so young. Right next to the Caledonian Cinema so pop in here for a pint before your film.

Best Western Queen's Hotel, Leonard Street, PH2 8HB, ☎+44 1738 442222. The Best Western Queens Hotel is ideally situated in the very heart of Perth, within metres of the railway and coach stations. The Best Western Queens Hotel is Perth’s only hotel to boast a superb modern fully equipped leisure club with indoor pool, which along with it’s 51 en-suite bedrooms, conference centre and various dining opportunities makes it one of Perth’s premier choices.

Perth Skylodge, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL, ☎+44 1738 553980. Modern hotel situated in the Perthshire countryside only 3 miles from the town centre but a world apart.

Salutation Hotel, 34 South Street, PH2 8PH, ☎+44 1738 630066. The 3 Star AA awarded Salutation has excellent facilities and together with a professional approach, friendly caring staff and a willingness to please.

St Johns UK Holiday Apartments/Letting, 78 High Street, ☎+44 1738 447933. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 10AM. Self catering holiday accommodation in apartment or cottage available all year round. Short and long lets available. Scottish Tourist Board graded 3/4 star. Very high standard, central location. Also self catering accommodation in town centre apartments, also cottage available for rent. Short and long lets available. Scottish Tourist Board graded to 3/4 stars. Very high quality from £100pwfrom £100pw.

Symphony Lovat Hotel, Glasgow Road, PH2 0LT, ☎+44 1738 636555. The charming, privately owned Lovat Hotel offers a warm welcome and friendly atmosphere. The Lovat Hotel is on the main route into Perth making it an ideal choice for the business person

Mercure Perth Hotel, West Mill Street, PH1 5PQ, ☎+44 8448 159105. Set in a 15th century watermill, you can still watch the water trickling through the original water wheel from our garden, reception area and Lounge Bar. With beautiful gardens and a medieval function room with 12th century features, the hotel makes a romantic venue for your wedding. Standard accommodation at the Mercure Perth hotel comes with flat-screen TV and complimentary refreshments, Upgrade to an Executive room or Suite for unlimited movies and high-speed Internet access. The hotel is locally known as The City Mills.

Sunbank House Hotel, 50 Dundee Road, PH2 7BA, ☎+44 1738 624882. The hotel, built in early Victorian times (1853), is in its own grounds with a large private car park, situated only a short walk from the city centre. See the aerial pictures of the Sunbank Hotel and the River Tay.From £30.00 - £70.00.

The local police is Tayside Police [8]. Perth is home to the Force's Western Divisional Headquarters, situated in Barrack Street. Although in the UK '999' and '112' are the numbers to call the emergency services, you may also want to take note of the direct phone number to Perth Divisional HQ : +441738 621141

The town centre can get rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights, and should be avoided by those who do not enjoy confrontations with drunk morons wearing tracksuits. It is best not to walk through any dark areas at night.

It is relatively safe to walk out of Perth at night back up to the guest houses on Dunkeld Road or Pitcullen Crescent but like most cities it has areas of no go. If you aren't familiar with the areas then it would be best to avoid walking through them late at night.

Tourist Information Centre[9], Lower City Mills, PH1 5PQ. +44 1738 450600. You can get a free map of Perth and with all the sights in Perthshire. There are signs pointing to the Tourist Information Centre, which are helpful, as it is not in an obvious and visible location.

T In The Park, Balado, Kinross. (Located at Balado Airfield, just off the M90 at Kinross.), ☎+44 8444 999990. Second weekend of July (3 days). Scotland's biggest and most famous annual music festival.Day tickets: £60.00 - £72.50. Weekend tickets: £170.00 - £180.00..

Glenshee Ski Centre, Cairnwell, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5XU (Glenshee Ski Centre is situated on the A93, nine miles south of Braemar and twenty five miles north of Blairgowrie.), ☎+44 1339 741665. 08.30 - 17.00 during ski season. Although Glenshee is not in Perthshire, it is still very accessible from Perth.